Current concerns around rising fuel prices and the cost-of-living crisis have prompted building control expert DBCP to issue a warning to people not to over insulate their homes.
As prices rise, residents are turning off their heating and eliminating all drafts, creating the perfect condition for damp and mould to take hold.
A lack of circulating fresh air leads to poor indoor air quality, high humidity, and, in some cases, an increase in mould growth and hazardous spores.
The warning follows the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in Rochdale in December 2020. A recent coroner’s report ruled that Awaab died from acute airway oedema with severe granulomatous tracheobronchitis caused by extensive mould in the family’s flat.
David Pratt, Building Control Manager at DBCP, said: “Many people can’t afford to heat their homes right now and, to preserve heat and prevent cold air getting in, they are sealing all air inlets; doing this prevents moisture from escaping. This can cause mould that, as well as being damaging the fabric of the building can also be hazardous to the property’s occupiers.”
Everyday activities like cooking, showering and drying clothes create moisture in your home which can lead to condensation. This can build up, causing damp and mould. Careful management of damp and mould are vital to both the building’s health and that of its occupants.
DBCP is advising people to follow these simple, cost-effective measures in their homes to help avoid the build-up of mould and damp during the colder months:
- Cover pans when cooking on the hobs
- Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms
- Close internal doors when you cook or shower
- Leave a gap between furniture and external walls
- Dry clothes outdoors or use a vented tumble dryer
- Open bedroom windows for 5-10 minutes when you get up
David added: “It usually helps to have a low background temperature of at least 15 degrees in all room in order to prevent damp and mould from establishing. However, I appreciate that is not an option for everyone right now with rising fuel costs.”
Current building control regulations concerning ventilation (Part F) are applicable to all new build and modified properties. They state that ‘ventilation is the ‘removal of ‘stale’ air from a building and replacement with fresh outside air. The document also states that ventilation is required for one or more of the following purposes:
- Provision of outside air for breathing;
- Dilution and removal of airborne pollutants including odours;
- Control of excess humidity (arising from water vapour in the indoor air);
- Provision of air for fuel-burning appliances (which is covered under Part J of the Building Regulations).
DBCP is the leading provider of building control services to eight local authorities, as well as architects, builders, property developers and owners throughout the Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands. It is responsible for ensuring that buildings are constructed to the minimum standards of design and building work to ensure the health and safety of people in and around buildings, energy conservation, security and access and facilities for disabled people.
If you are looking for advice regarding Building Regulations in a new build property or extension or remodelling of an existing property, contact DBCP’s expert team of building control surveyors.
If you are struggling with rising energy costs, you might be able to get help with bills. Information can be found on the GOV.UK explainer of the energy bill support scheme. Also Find out how to save money on gas and electric bills from Money Helper.